Mumbai: For passengers struggling to get confirmed seat on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Vande Bharat Express, there is some relief. The Indian Railways has announced
a temporary increase in the number coaches on the popular train as number of passenger continues to rise. According to Western Railways, Train Nos 22961 and 22962 will run with 20 coaches from January 26 to March 7, 2026. The move is aimed to reduce the overcrowding, long waiting list and last minute travel anxiety faced by daily commuters, business travel and families. During this period, four extra AC coaches will be added to the train. This will increase the seating capacity by 278 for more passengers. In an statement Western Railways wrote, "Enhancing passenger convenience! The Train Nos. 22961/22962 Mumbai Central - Ahmedabad Vande Bharat Express will now temporarily run with 20 Coaches (w.e.f 26.01.2026 to 7.03.2026)." Check Route Details and Halts The Vande Bharat Express connects Mumbai Central and Ahmedabad Junction, covering around 491 kilometres in about five hours and forty minutes. The train halts at Vadodara, Surat, Vapi and Borivali, making it a key option for office-goers, traders and frequent intercity travellers. The service runs six days a week, except Sundays. Tickets can be booked under General, Tatkal, Senior Citizen and Ladies quotas, with seating available in AC Chair Car and Executive Class. Railway authorities have clarified that the additional coaches are being added only for a limited period. After March 7, 2026, the train will return to its original configuration unless the demand continues. Introduced under the Make in India initiative, Vande Bharat trains are designed to offer faster, safer and more comfortable travel. With modern interiors, automatic doors and real-time passenger information systems, the trains aim to make long journeys less tiring and more reliable.
